GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 169  27 May 1951

 

    AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL - By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, WD Bul 3, 1944), and pursuant to authority in AR 600-45, the Bronze Star Medal with Letter "V" device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States is awarded to the following named officer and enlisted men :

FIRST LIEUTENANT RAFAEL D. PAGAN, 0947407, Infantry, Company "G', 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 19 February 1951, in the vicinity of Myongil-li, Korea, Company "G" was attacking enemy positions on Hill 88 just south of the Han River. When one of the platoons successfully drove an enemy outpost off the ridge, the main body of the enemy momentarily seemed confused. Taking immediate advantage of the situation, Lieutenant PAGAN left his normal position at the rear of the company and launched the assault platoon on an attack against the main enemy positions. Lieutenant PAGAN'S quick decision and aggressiveness completely routed the enemy. Fearlessly exposing himself in order to place his men in commanding positions, Lieutenant PAGAN directed effective fire on the enemy in his attempt to escape across the Han River. The outstanding leadership and heroism displayed by Lieutenant PAGAN reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

 Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131 - National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.